Row over definition of ‘gender’ hangs over Cop30 plans to support women

The Guardian
The Guardian
1h ago 1 view
Indigenous protesters in Brazil are raising concerns ahead of the Cop30 climate summit, focusing on gender definitions that could impact women's rights in climate action.
Row over definition of ‘gender’ hangs over Cop30 plans to support women
A What happened
Indigenous protesters are gathering in Brazil ahead of the Cop30 climate summit, where a contentious debate over the definition of 'gender' is unfolding. Conservative states are advocating for a narrow definition that equates gender with biological sex, which could hinder efforts to address gender inequality in climate action. Advocates argue that this shift would reverse years of progress in recognizing diverse gender identities. The summit aims to establish a gender action plan to ensure women's experiences are included in climate policy. However, the pushback from conservative governments complicates these discussions, as many countries seek to broaden the definition to include all gender identities. The implications of this debate are significant, as climate change disproportionately affects women, making it crucial to incorporate their perspectives in climate strategies.

Key insights

  • 1

    Gender Definition Controversy

    Conservative states push for a narrow gender definition, risking women's rights.

  • 2

    Impact of Climate Change

    Women face greater vulnerabilities due to climate impacts, affecting food security.

  • 3

    Need for Inclusive Policies

    Effective climate action requires a gender perspective to address inequalities.

Takeaways

The ongoing debate over gender definitions at Cop30 highlights the tension between advancing gender equality and conservative pushback. Ensuring women's voices are heard in climate discussions is essential for effective policy-making.

Topics

International Affairs Climate Change